It was Wales’ 14th successive Test reversal and Gatland had gone within 72 hours as Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt was appointed on an interim basis for remaining Six Nations appointments with Ireland, Scotland and England.
“I think an important thing for us is that we are going to be playing in a packed-out Principality Stadium, so what a great chance to go out there and put a performance in against one of the best teams in the world and potentially and hopefully come away with a result.
Aaron Wainwright accepts that Wales’ long run of Test match defeats has generated “a pretty low point” in the nation’s proud rugby history.
Wales are rank outsiders to halt Ireland’s Grand Slam march – some bookmakers have them as a 22-1 chance – and it would represent one of the tournament’s biggest upsets if they shredded world rugby’s form-book.
For some of us, it is about trying to prove people wrong.
